English

Oral Language 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3

Reading/Literature 6.5, 7.6, 7.7, 8.6

History/Social Science

Civics CE.7, CE.9, CE.12

MS.4: Characteristics of leaders

MS.5: Roles and actions of followers

MS.6: Role of context in leadership

OK, You Be in Charge

The purpose of this activity is to allow students to understand the complexities of leadership roles.

Steps To Complete the Activity

Have students

• Divide into groups of five. Have each student draw a piece of paper from the box marked "jobs." There are five jobs—mayor, chief of police, school superintendent, director of public services, and director of recreation. This process should continue until the entire class has selected jobs.
• Break into small groups according to job (i.e., all the mayors are together, all the police chiefs together, etc.). Identify and discuss what they believe to be the major responsibilities of each job.
• Research the job and discover additional responsibilities and duties.
• Combine research of all members of the group to form one list of the job duties of each job.
• Form new groups consisting of one mayor, one chief of police, one school superintendent, one director of public services, and one director of recreation in each group. Role play to establish the town’s government, social services, libraries, schools, utilities, and parks. Be sure that each "job" area of interest is included in the town’s creation.
• Present by groups the ideas and suggestions of organization and structure for the town.

Discussion

When all groups have finished, the teacher should lead a discussion that explores the varied structures of the "towns."

Instructional Materials and Resources

Students will need a computer lab or classroom computer with access to the Internet. Students may also use their textbooks and the school and local libraries. An additional resource may be: Fiscus, Lyn, ed. Leadership Curriculum Guide. Reston, VA: National Association of Secondary School Principals, 1995.